Warning to anyone with sea hares

[Aquaholic]

Sea hares when frightened will release a purple ink, well now I have "read" that the ink released is poisonis. It happened to me when my sea hare landed on my carpet anenome, luckly i was there when it happened and i could do a quick water change and increase the skimming.

Just a friendly heads up.

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

I don't think its poisonous. Seen it & nothing died in the tank. I think its a defensive dye that is released to startle & confuse a predator.

Anthony

[Ruth]

I agree - my Sea Hare had an encounter with a carpet anemone and sent out a whole whack of purple dye. Nothing suffered in my tank that I noticed. I do run carbon in this tank and it is 230g but even so no harmful effects that I could see.

[Aquaholic]

I read this and it is true, as far as how poisonis it is im not sure, but... It was a warning.

to quote "This is not exactly pen ink. A variety of chemicals make up the defensive secretion, creating a multi-pronged attack. The ink targets the predator’s nervous system and messes with the creature’s behavioral control system."

Refrence, the complete marine aquarist, and some internet resorces.

This is a fact.

[midgetwaiter]

The toxic components in the ink come from the animal's diet. If it has been eating the right kinds of algae then the ink could cause various reactions from your tank inhabitants or yourself.

Outside of very recent imports this should be a non issue, but it is certainly something to consider.

[Beermaster]

But still this is somthing that should have been known before you bought the critter

[Aquaholic]

or somthing that should be posted at the store.

"buyer beware"

[Willow]

Originally Posted by Aquaholic

or somthing that should be posted at the store.

"buyer beware"

the responsibility is yours sir to do the homework.

[midgetwaiter]

Originally Posted by Aquaholic

or somthing that should be posted at the store.

"buyer beware"

You could say the same about lionfish, zoas, anemones, lps corals, the algae itself or any number of other things.

Freshwater and brackish tanks also have the same potential issues. Examples include the spines on scats, pectoral fins on corys and again some algaes. Also throw a sign on all the puffers that says "do not eat". Maybe do not touch as well, it is possible to absorb the toxin through your skin (it has happened to me).

Then you can pass out pamphlets on allergic reactions to blood worms too. Oh and be careful with those antibiotics, and the malachite green and formalin (carcinogens).

I could go on. I'm not going to say that your particular issue isn't an important consideration but you should consider that it is one of maybe a thousand issues that are just as much a concern.

[Aquaholic]

let me know, how many people with sea hares knew that they were poisonis??? maybe thats why I'm "WARNING PEOPLE"

I thought this forum was to help people (which I was trying to do), not insult them (which I have gotten from some in return)

Sincerly,

the insulted guy,